Springboks call up Ireland-based Kleyn as injury ends Nortje's tour

Rugby World Cup-winning lock Jean Kleyn has been called up to the Springbok squad ahead of Sunday's Test against Scotland in Edinburgh. 

Kleyn, 31, comes in for Ruan Nortje, who suffered a leg injury in training on Wednesday. The injury has ruled the Bulls skipper out of the Boks' three-game UK tour.

READ | Father Time leaves darling of SA rugby Mapimpi accepting World Cup fate: 'I don't think so'

Kleyn, who earned his seventh Test cap for South Africa in last year's Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand in Paris, will join the Bok fold for the first time this year.

He was laid low by an eye injury and only returned to action for Irish club Munster in the URC in September.

The injury is a hammer blow for Nortje, who made his mark in the Bok engine room this season as they won the Rugby Championship.

But Kleyn, who also boasts five Test caps for Ireland, will add valuable bulk to the Boks' lock stocks alongside the likes of RG Snyman, Franco Mostert and Eben Etzebeth.

"It's sad to lose Ruan to injury, as he's had a fantastic season and really made a strong statement after injuries initially prompted his call-up to the squad. He certainly grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and we wish him luck with his recovery," Bok coach Rassie Erasmus said in a statement.

The Bok mentor added: "Ruan's injury opens the door for Jean to make a return to the national squad for the first time this season, and judging by his performances for Munster since making a comeback to the URC combined with his familiarity of our structures and being a regular in our team last season, we are excited to welcome him back.

"He's also played with most of the players in the squad and is familiar with the conditions in the UK as he's based in Ireland, so